MUT's membership lists (1)

Anthony Micallef Debono (The Sunday Times, March 30) tries to cast doubt on the leadership of the Malta Union of Teachers.

As an active member for many years, I can vouch for the fact that union officials led by the president, John Bencini, have certainly broken the record for the frequency of school visits, consultation meetings and delegates' meetings. Moreover, union officials are very accessible, as the vast majority of members who needed their assistance may attest.

Mr Micallef Debono took issue with the MUT for not providing him with its membership list. No serious organisation, especially a trade union, can ever disclose its membership list. This would not only be a serious breach of the Data Protection Act but also an ethical and professional faux pas.

The MUT today has a competent and trustworthy team of officials with a good mix of experienced and promising young leaders. With such an able team, the MUT can look ahead with confidence.

I was surprised to read Mr Micallef Debono's reasons for contesting the MUT presidency. The negotiation of an addendum to the reform agreement, the proximity of union officials to its membership, to name the two key issues raised, are already being taken care of by the current leadership.

The only conclusion I may draw from Mr Micallef Debono's statements is that he is completely out of touch with the union's present undertakings and its current modus operandi. May I suggest he keep himself updated with the union's developments before putting pen to paper and inadvertently tainting the sterling reputation of the union whose presidency he is contesting.